The Hindu : Front Page : Sarabjit’s hanging put off to June 1

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Sarabjit’s hanging put off to June 1

Sandeep Dikshit

Pranab Mukherjee pleads for clemency

NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Friday postponed the hanging of Sarabjit Singh to June 1, hours after External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee appealed to Islamabad to give clemency for the “unfortunate human being” on humanitarian grounds.

Under death sentence for 17 years for his alleged role in the 1990 Lahore bomb blasts that killed 14 people, Sarabjit was to be hanged on April 1.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, however, deferred Sarabjit’s execution for a month following an appeal from the Government of India.

“I would appeal to the Pakistan authorities to show clemency to Sarabjit Singh. Whatever the legal position may be, on humanitarian grounds alone I would hope that mercy could be shown to this unfortunate human being,” said Mr. Mukherjee in a statement.

His appeal came days after Pakistan issued visas to Sarabjit’s family members to visit Lahore.

Sarabjit’s family, based in Amritsar, claims he inadvertently crossed into Pakistan and was convicted for his alleged role in the blasts due to mistaken identity.

Family’s campaign

With the former Pakistan Human Rights Minister, Ansar Burney, saying he would back Sarabjit’s case if he is innocent, the family has mounted a clemency campaign through the media.

On a visit to India earlier this month, Mr. Burney was given a copy of a First Information Report mentioning Sarabjit’s disappearance in 1990 and he said that it would be verified for its authenticity.

Told that a witness had deposed against Sarabjit under duress, he promised to verify this aspect too.

At the same time, Mr. Burney said he would try to seek pardon for the incarcerated Indian from the families of the 14 killed in the blasts.

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